WCC Emphasizes Its Support for Lebanon in a Solidarity Meeting

MECC and the Heads of the Churches Explain the Harsh Situations to the Whole World

In an initiative of love and solidarity with Lebanon amidst the difficult circumstances it is passing through due the war raging throughout it, the World Council of Churches (WCC) held an online solidarity meeting with the Ecumenical family in Lebanon and the Middle East, at the invitation of the WCC General Secretary Reverend Professor Dr. Jerry Pillay, on Friday 4 October 2024. This consultation aimed at highlighting the dangerous security, social, and humanitarian field conditions that Lebanon is currently going through, in addition to discussing ways of WCC support to the country.

The meeting was attended by His Eminence Metropolitan Antonios Al Soury, Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Zahle, Baalbek and Dependencies, and Member of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Executive Committee, representing His Beatitude Patriarch John X, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Orthodox Family, and Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East (UAECNE), President of Haigazian University in Lebanon, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) for the Evangelical Family.

Attendees were also the WCC General Secretary Reverend Professor Dr. Jerry Pillay at the head of a WCC delegation, the MECC Secretary General Professor Dr. Michel Abs and the Associate Secretaries General at the head of an MECC delegation, the ACT Alliance General Secretary Mr. Rudelmar Bueno de Faria at the head of an ACT Alliance delegation, as well as concerned participants and invitees.

Support from the World Council of Churches (WCC)

Firstly, Reverend Professor Dr. Jerry Pillay prayed on the intention of peace in Lebanon, the Middle East and the world, and then delivered a speech in which he expressed his solidarity with the people of Lebanon, stressing that WCC stands with them in order to support and assist them in overcoming the ordeal they are living. He also stressed the importance of conveying Lebanon's voice to the whole world in light of the bitter and worsening reality it witnesses daily.

Highlighting the dangerous conditions in Lebanon

For his part, His Eminence Metropolitan Antonios Al Soury presented an overview of the security conditions in Lebanon, mentioning the continuation of raids on various regions, and shedding light on the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the country. He also explained the displacement crisis that the country’s residents are experiencing, fleeing the danger threatening their lives. His Eminence called for putting pressure on the relevant authorities towards a ceasefire, as well as seeking to provide moral, psychological and health support to the affected people.

Then, Professor Dr. Michel Abs explained the harsh situations in Lebanon, noting that the media does not accurately highlight the bitterness of the events that the country is going through, especially since the humanitarian needs have become very dire in various regions and shelter centers. He also spoke from a sociological and social perspective about the social disorder of the people of the country, saying that they are going through a cycle of severe anxiety due to the insecurity and feel deep despair in front of an unknown future.

In his turn, Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian talked about the worsening general conditions in a country that is already suffering from major crises and a shortage of basic resources, stressing the need to work urgently to support the people of Lebanon who have been facing a major economic crisis for several years. On the other hand, he touched on the issue of internal harmony in the country, highlighting the national unity amidst the disaster that Lebanon is facing.

During the meeting, the attendees presented their experiences and shared their expertise each one from their position, region, framework, and specialization, calling for an urgent ceasefire and continuing efforts to meet emergency humanitarian needs.